Spain is a country that has become a preferred destination for expats due to its wonderful weather, rich culture, high quality of life, easy residency permits, and abundant expat communities. Whether you are looking to live, work, or retire, Spain offers a balance between work and leisure, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the many reasons why Spain is the perfect destination for expats.
Comfortable Climate – One of the primary reasons why Spain is a popular destination for expats is its comfortable climate. Spain has a mild and sunny climate, with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year. The country offers diverse landscapes, from the warm summers on the beach to the mild winters in the mountains. Whether you prefer rain or shine, you can find a region that suits your preferences in Spain.
Coastal Regions – Spain has a vast coastline that stretches for over 5,000 kilometers. The Mediterranean Sea borders the eastern and southern regions of Spain, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the northern and western regions. The coastal regions offer beautiful coastlines, charming villages, and delicious seafood. Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Andalusia are some of the regions that provide the perfect Mediterranean lifestyle.
Green and Lush Scenery – Spain’s northern regions, such as Asturias, Galicia, and the Basque Country, offer green and lush scenery. These regions have stunning natural parks, rugged cliffs, and rich gastronomy. The northern regions are ideal for people who love green and lush scenery.
Culture and History – Spain has a long and fascinating history, influenced by different civilizations and cultures. The country has stunning architecture, art, and monuments that reflect its heritage, from the Moorish Alhambra in Granada to the modernist Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. Madrid, Castilla y Leon, or Extremadura are some of the regions where you can admire the royal palaces, medieval castles, and ancient monuments.
Rich and Diverse Culture – Spain is known for its rich and diverse culture. The country has a long history that has been influenced by various civilizations and cultures. The traditions, festivals, and cuisines of each region are different and vibrant. The following are some of the cultures that expats can experience in Spain.
- Flamenco – Flamenco is a Spanish art form that originated in Andalusia. It is a combination of singing, dancing, and guitar playing. Flamenco is a popular dance form that is recognized all over the world. Many flamenco schools offer lessons to expats who are interested in learning this art form.
- Bullfighting – Bullfighting is a traditional Spanish sport that is still practiced in some regions of Spain. It is a controversial sport that has been banned in some countries. Bullfighting is an important part of Spanish culture and attracts many tourists.
- Paella – Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia. It is a rice dish that is cooked with saffron, vegetables, and meat. Paella is a popular dish that is served in many restaurants in Spain. Expats can learn to cook this dish at cooking schools or attend paella festivals.
- Tapas – Tapas are small plates of food that are served in bars and restaurants in Spain. They are a popular way of dining in Spain and are perfect for sharing with friends. Tapas come in many varieties, from seafood to meat, and are often served with bread and olive oil.
High Quality of Life
Spain offers a great balance between work and leisure, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The country has excellent health care, education, infrastructure, and public transportation. Spain has a low cost of living compared to other European countries.
- Affordable Housing – Spain has affordable housing options for expats. The average monthly rent for a furnished 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment in an expensive area is €1,264 ($1,374), while in a normal area it is €851 ($925).
- Low Cost of Living – The cost of living in Spain is lower than in other European countries. The average monthly cost of utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for two people in an 85 m2 (900 sqft) apartment is €134 ($146). The average price of a basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district is €17 ($18), while a combo meal in a fast-food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) is €9 ($10). The average price of a bottle of wine (mid-range) is €5 ($5), while a domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle) is €0.98 ($1).
Easy Residence Permits
Spain has several options for expats who want to obtain a residence permit, depending on their situation and goals. Expats can apply for a work visa if they have a job offer or are self-employed, a student visa if they want to study or do an internship, a retirement visa if they have a pension or sufficient income, or a golden visa if they invest in real estate or business. The Beckham’s Law grants tax relief to foreigners for the first six years of living in Spain.
Abundant Expat Communities
Spain has a large and diverse expat population, with people from all over the world. Expats can easily find people who share their language, culture, or interests in Spain. They can also join various groups, clubs, or associations that cater to expats and help them integrate into Spanish society. Expats will never feel alone or isolated in Spain.
Safety and Security
Spain is a safe and secure country to live in. It has a low crime rate and a well-developed police force. The country is also geographically safe from natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Easy Accessibility
Spain is easily accessible from other European countries due to its location. It has well-connected airports and train stations that make travel easy and convenient. The country is also well-connected by road, making it easy to explore different regions of Spain.
Conclusion
Spain is an ideal destination for expats due to its comfortable climate, rich and diverse culture, high quality of life, easy residency permits, abundant expat communities, safety and security, and easy accessibility. Whether you are looking to live, work, or retire, Spain offers a balance between work and leisure, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is an excellent place to call home.
